This review is intended for audiences over the age of 18. Please check the trigger warnings for this novel before continuing. I will try not to include major spoilers.

This was my third Shantel Tessier novel in under a week, and I’m starting to really attune myself to her writing style, plot structure, spice levels, and all her sneaky, wily writer ways. This novel follows a character we’ve met briefly in the previous two novels named Tyson who owns and runs the Lord’s club. It had been discussed in those novels that the Lords failed to protect Tyson and his chosen, and as a consequence he was gifted the club, freedom, and the ability to choose whoever he wanted to marry.

This novel begins with Tyson hijacking a wedding and making his wife his puppet and slave. Again, I feel the need to reiterate that both parties are willing, and through their inner monologue we know just how excited they both are to participate in this dynamic. If this type of dominance isn’t your cup of tea this novel will not sit well with you.

There were a few moments in the book when our FMC seems to take the reins away from the MMC, and one of those scenes may have become my ultimate favorite of the entire series so far (if you know you know). Some twisted part of me also reveled in the moments when our FMC was under attack, and we were afforded an opportunity to witness just how authentically the MMC cared for her, in a way that went beyond the simple fact that she was his property.

I enjoyed getting to see a new side to the Lords operations, including peaks into what goes on at Carnage. While the major revelation of this novel did not come as a surprise to me (like I said, I’m picking up on Tessier’s antics much easier now) I still had an absolute blast reading this. This was a breath of fresh air after the last novel which left me emotionally drained, and searching for something a tad more lighthearted.

Don’t be fooled by my last statement. This novel is still extremely dark, with depictions of rape, murder, and other gruesome acts of violence, but it also is a story about two people who have been let down by everyone in their lives, learning to trust and rely on one another. It’s not perfect, and it’s not for everyone, but this story was a wild ride.

My TikTok for you page has been crushing it for spooky season. I guess it also helps that I’ve been sick and spending a lot of time reading, cranking out one and a half books a day most days. Thanks to a lovely fellow booktokker I was introduced to the world of The Halloween Boys.

This novel is a gradual why choose, polyamorous group of monsters who have their sights set on the new woman in town. Our FMC Blythe is on the run from her murderous stepfather who has been hunting her from state to state. When she lands in Ash Grove for the first time she feels the urge to make it work and settle down, while warring with the part of her that is ready to let her stepfather find her and kill her, to end the torment.

Blythe is introduced to Dr. Cove and his two eclectic best friends, Onyx and Wolfgang. These attractive, seductive, witty, hilarious, caring, and lethal men are drawn to Blythe like moths to a flame, and they aren’t the only ones who feel the burning desire.

Ash Grove is an odd town, but a place where I personally dream of visiting. The town celebrates Halloween all month long, with trick or treating for the kids from shop to shop, and a secluded nightly rave deep in the woods. It’s clear to everyone, except maybe Blythe, that this town isn’t full of just humans. The costumes donned night after night at the rave might be a little more real than Blythe is willing to admit.

The inclusivity in this novel was fantastic. It wasn’t overt and in your face, but it was direct and heartwarming. Blythe is a larger bodied woman who holds not even an ounce of self doubt in her appearance. She has a great sense of personal style and knows which assets to flaunt to make her monsters drool. We’re introduced to so many great characters of different colors, genders, and species, that are woven throughout this story seamlessly. The side characters in this series are top tier, chefs kiss, so freaking fantastic I love (or loath) them all!

While this story weaves a picturesque, Halloween Town vibe, there are also some very dark undertones. The mix of the two seemingly opposite emotions was tantalizing to read. I felt so at home with Ash Grove and the residents, while also experiencing very real spikes of fear at the constant threat of violence and death. This book is an instant new Halloween favorite, and one I’ll need to read every year to get into the spooky October mood.

The first novel in this series starring Blythe and her Halloween Boys was the story of Blythe and Ghost. Now we follow Blythe and Dragon (Onyx) as they explore their personal relationship through the dynamics of their polyamorous group. As each new book introduces a new dynamic, we still have POV’s from previous characters, which meant this novel oscillated between Blythe, Ghost, and now included Dragon’s POV as well.

With the revelation of what kind of monster Blythe is, and why she fits so well with the Halloween Boys, the group is faced with a major ‘what’s next’ decision. Through lots of scheming and mostly understandable betrayal on Onyx’s part, he and Blythe are whisked away to the world of the vampires.

I’m really enjoying how Blackthorne has set up each novel so that we get a distinct look at each character. We get to explore not only their present predicaments, but also their backstories and what led up to these moments with Blythe. Dragon’s history, and this hidden world of the vampires, was absolutely fascinating. The ethereal, cunning, delectable vibes of this book settled so deeply into my soul as a connoisseur of vampire myths and legends.

I loved how much of this story was centered on Onyx/Dragon coming to terms with himself and his monsters, as well as how he expressed his unwavering love for Blythe. This story was a fantastic second installment in this series, and I’ve got to admit I’m falling for the Halloween Boys just as hard as our heroine.

What can I say? There’s just something about werewolves and the pack mentality that does it for me every. single. time. This is the third book in the Halloween Boys series, and we finally get a peak inside of Wolfgang Jack’s noggin. As with the previous books, we add a new POV while still exploring the POV’s of the previous characters which means this book had Blythe, Ghost, Dragon, and Wolf leading center stage.

This novel did something I truly wasn’t anticipating in that we experience the harsh passage of time. While away with the vampires time had been passing at an alarming rate back in Ash Grove, and Wolf’s pack is not the same as he left it. Due to the disruption, and also having found his mate, Wolf begins the dangerous transformation into his alpha form. This transformation takes the sweetest, homiest character and finally unleashes a new monster who is starving for Blythe.

While the last novel was about Dragon trusting himself, Wolf is now learning to grow as a pack leader, and Blythe is coming to terms with staying a damsel in distress or trusting her own monstrous powers (whatever they may be).

Out of all the novels in this series so far this one made me cry multiple times. The love that has blossomed between these characters, the raw and authentic care they have towards one another pricked my bleeding heart just right. I loved the little glimpses we got through everyone’s POV’s of watching them grow together in their relationship.

There was a much bigger emotional toll on me as the reader in this novel, just knowing that Wolf’s pack and the town of Ash Grove was in disarray due to the time they spent away. Mix that angst with the bond solidifying between our poly group and I was a mushy puddle of feelings. So far I think this is my favorite novel in this series. While I live for and love the halloween aspect of the first novel, and thrived off the vampire/dragon aesthetics of the second, the emotional impact this one had on me tips it over the edge.

We’ve reached the finale to the Halloween Boys story. To say this was bittersweet would be such an understatement. I read this series while sick, and I clung to this story, and these characters, as it transported me out of my pain ridden bed and into a magical world where Halloween is so much more than just a day of the year.

As with the previous novels, we’re introduced to a new POV, and honestly a whole new writing format. This story weaves seamlessly between events of the past, future, and present while giving us a birds eye view from Blythe, Ghost, Dragon, Wolf, and finally Devil.

I don’t know when I personally realized the Devil’s role in this story overall, but I knew he was somehow a part of Blythe’s endgame. I also didn’t completely trust that he hadn’t manipulated and schemed his way through the first three books, so while some of the revelations didn’t come as a shock the finale of the history between Devil and Blythe was incredibly emotional to read.

The angst and emotional labor this novel required far exceeded the others. The stakes were so much higher here, and Blythe was constantly in the dark searching for answers right under her own nose. At times it was infuriating to be one action, one memory, one step away from uncovering the truth, but in the end it was worth it to experience the moment she remembered who she is.

This novel was truly a culmination of all the emotional work the characters had put in previously. Their battle through hell, their inner turmoil with their monsters, and their role in their polyamorous group was heart wrenching to witness, but necessary for the eventual happily ever after.

I felt so connected with this book, with Ash Grove, with Blythe, that it wrecked me when I came to the author’s note and afterwards. I was crying so hard I couldn’t even read more than a few blurry words before closing my kindle and sobbing into my weighted dinosaur plushie. These characters, this world, this town, will be in my heart for a very long time. I cannot wait to reread this series every year, and revisit Blythe and her monsters every Halloween.

In terms of plot this is a full 5 stars. In terms of how connected I felt to the characters this was maybe a 3. I have read this book twice, and I still didn't feel a real or strong connection to any character until the last few chapters of book 2 in this series. My advice, get through book one as quickly as possible. Then charge ahead into the rest of this series. It gets delicious after this.

There was so much going on in this one! Our cast of characters nearly trippled! So many new POVs. It was enrapturing. The anticipation is certainly building with every book. How will this series end? And who will survive?!

Yay, we have romance again! And such huge character growth from the witches. And we now know who the real evil is, which did actually surprise me. I'm so pleased with this series so far. I'm so not pleased that I'm one book closer to finishing it. SJM, please don't rip my heart out.

4.5

Review coming soon...